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Croatia 
Croatia is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia, gaining independence
in 1991. Its inception as a state was traumatic, with a war in the border region of
Krajina where most of the Serbian minority lived, and sporadic bitter attacks on other
parts of the country, including the historic town of Dubrovnik; peace
has now returned to the country. Croatia has a very varied landscape, including flat, wide
plains, rugged mountains, and an amazing coastline of bays, gulfs, inlets, and more than a
thousand offshore islands. Zagreb, the country's capital and main
cultural centre, has fine museums and churches, and some pleasing baroque and
turn-of-the-century architecture. Along the coast is a string of attractive medieval
towns, some, like Dubrovnik, with their original fortifications intact. There are also
magnificent Roman remains, including Diocletian's Palace in Split, a UNESCO world heritage
site.
Croatia was an independent state in the early Middle Ages, but then became part of the
Austro-Hungarian Empire, while the Adriatic coast fell under Venetian domination. These
influences are very much reflected in Croatia's architectural heritage. In 1918 the
country gained its independence as part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and
Slovenes—or Yugoslavia, as it quickly became known. Relations between the Croats and
the dominant Serbs were hostile in the inter-war years. In 1941 an independent state of
Croatia was declared, essentially under the control of the fascist powers, and a campaign
of terror began against non-Croats. While the post-war communist leader, Tito, managed to
control extreme manifestations of nationalism on all sides, nationalist tensions
resurfaced after his death, and eventually led to the break-up of Yugoslavia. There is no
doubt about the strength of nationalist identity in independent Croatia today.
One of Croatia's most famous sons is the 20th-century sculptor Ivan Meštroviº, whose
work includes the design of the Museum of Croatian History in Zagreb. Croatian literature
dates back to the early Middle Ages but is comparatively unknown abroad. The country has a
strong folk music tradition, although contemporary Croatians are far more likely to be
interested in disco culture than dancing the kolo.
Travel Preparation
Entry Requirements
All nationals are advised to consult the foreign affairs department in their own
country before travelling to Croatia. Currently, European Union citizens do not require
visas to visit Croatia. Although Croatia is no longer at war with its neighbours, the
Balkans remains politically unstable.
Emergency phone numbers
Police: 92
Fire brigade: 93
Ambulance/first aid: 94
Time zones
Central European Time (GMT plus one hour). Clocks are put forward one hour from
the last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the end of October.
Driving
Vehicle documents
Check with your motor vehicle insurance company regarding any insurance documents
you will need and whether any additional insurance is required. An International Driving
Permit and a Green Card are required.
Rules of the road
Carry your full valid driving licence and International Driving Permit, vehicle
registration documents, and insurance documents with you at all times.
Driving is on the right. The wearing of seat belts is mandatory, and all motorists are
required to carry a red reflector triangle. Driving after drinking any alcohol is a
serious offence.
Roads, tolls and speed limits
There are tolls on the motorways around Zagreb, for the bridge to Krk Island, and
for the U¹ka tunnel between Rijeka and Istria. Speed limits are 60 kilometres (38 miles)
per hour in built-up areas, 130 kilometres (80 miles) per hour on motorways, and 90
kilometres (55 miles) per hour on other roads.
Driving tips
Twenty-four-hour information on road conditions is available by telephoning the
Croatian Automobile Association on +385 1 425 575.
Assistance
There are emergency phones along the main roads. In the event of a breakdown,
telephone 987.
Electrical devices
The electrical current in Croatia is 220 volts AC. Round, two-pin plugs are used.
An adapter is essential for UK and Irish appliances.
Money
Notes and coins
The official monetary unit is the kuna (Kn). Notes come in denominations of
Kn1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. Coins are in denominations of Kn5, 2, and 1,
and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 lipa.
Currency exchange
German Deutschmarks and US dollars are the preferred foreign currencies.
Travellers cheques are generally accepted. Currency may be exchanged at banks and
authorised exchanges. There are restrictions on the import and export of the kuna. Money
should never be exchanged at unauthorised dealers. Banks are open 07.30 to 19.00 Monday to
Friday, 08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. Exchange offices are usually open well into the
evening.
Tipping
Adding 10 per cent to the bill would be appropriate for a western visitor. Tour
guides expect a tip.
Public holidays
1 January: New Year's Day
6 January: Epiphany
Easter Monday
1 May: Labour Day
30 May: Statehood Day
22 June: Croatian National Uprising
15 August: Assumption
1 November: All Saints' Day
25 December: Christmas Day
Travellers with disabilities
No current information is available.
Transport
Metro, buses and trams
Croatia has an extensive bus network. Generally, for both urban transport and
long-distance carriers, you should buy your ticket at a bus station. Internal transport
may be currrently limited in certain parts of the country. There is no metro system in
Croatia.
Ferries
There are regular passenger and car ferries between Split and Ancona (Italy) and
between Dubrovnik and Bari (Italy).
Dubrovnik
Originally a Venetian port, Dubrovnik (Ragusa) was until the late 17th century one
of the great maritime and trading centres of the Mediterranean. A UNESCO World Heritage
Site, it is an entrancing place, encircled by medieval walls and containing a harmonious
collection of white-marble renaissance buildings. Most notable are the Rector’s
Palace and the cathedral. The world watched with horror in 1991 whilst the historic centre
was shelled by the Yugoslav navy. Over 70 percent of the buildings were damaged in some
way, but most have now been repaired. Tourism is slowly being re-established and the
summer arts festival was revived in 1996 for the first time since the war.
Zagreb
The capital of Croatia, Zagreb grew up in the Middle Ages as
two neighbouring fortified towns, one secular, one ecclesiastical, on a hill above the
River Sava. Together they now make up the city’s Upper Town, whilst the Lower Town
with its wide avenues and gardens is typical of 19th-century central Europe. Zagreb is
noted for its art galleries. The Mimara Museum in the Lower Town has particularly
wide-ranging collections, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities, Old Masters
and Impressionists; the Strossmayer Gallery and the Arts Centre are also worth a visit. St
Mark’s Church has fine interior decorations by modern artists including the sculptor,
Ivan Meštroviº.
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